DESIGN BUILD

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Since 2017, the Illinois Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (I-NOMA) Design Build program has engaged minority high school students in renovating and transforming community spaces. Participating students gain hands-on experience in architecture, design, construction, and teamwork. I-NOMA partners with a community-based nonprofit that needs design services and has the capacity to provide the resources necessary for a successful partnership.

Design Build Purpose & Mission:

  • Introduce high school minority youth to the design and construction process

  • Improve the space of a community-based non-profit organization

  • Leverage I-NOMA's resources to maximize impact in our communities

  • Connect youth with design and construction professionals

  • Help build youth/character life lessons


COMMUNITY PARTNER RFP

I-NOMA is currently looking for our non-profit community partner for the 2026 Project Pipeline Design Build Program! The Requests for Proposals (RFP) package below demonstrates the impact and success of the program in previous years, so organizations can make an informed decision to apply and participate as a client for this year.

RFP PACKAGE

CLICK BELOW: This document features all of the information and background needed to apply.

CLICK HERE to access the RFP Package

APPLICATION PROCESS TIMELINE

May 27, 2026 — RFP Release

Public release of the RFP will be via email, website, and other media outlets. The RFP is open to all non-profits located in the city of Chicago. CLICK HERE to apply.

June 18th, 2026 —Information Session

I-NOMA will host an information session for the Design-Build Program June,18th from 12pm-1pm. The agenda will feature an overview of the program, show past impact and success, and answer any questions from potential applicants. CLICK HERE to register and receive the meeting link.

July 3rd, 2026 — RFP Submissions Due

The application will be submitted through an online form located at here. Please fill out the form completely and submit your applications by 11:59, July 3rd, 2026.

Submit any questions about the process one week before the deadline (June 26), so we have appropriate time to respond.

Please send all questions to designbuild@i-noma.org.

Information session rsvp
RFP APPLICATIOn
 

STUDENTS

Interest forms for the 2026 Design-Build Programming will be open soon! :

TYPICAL SCHEDULED SESSION DAYS: Saturdays from September- November

TIME: 12pm-4pm

AGE: High School Students, Incoming Freshmen - 12th Grade

COST: $75 (Scholarships available depending on financial need)

VOLUNTEERS

Thanks for your interest in guiding the young architects of the future! Here are some details you'll need to know:

As a volunteer, you will be mentoring high school students through their projects along with helping coordinate the Design Build program. Through participation in this program, you will have the opportunity to help in areas where you are skilled, and work on areas where you would like to improve (we mentor each other as well!) Our specified areas include logistics and planning (organizing stuff), design and procurement (finding cool donations for the project), production (doing drawings and models for students to work off of), curriculum development, and of course actual mentoring, just to name a few.

You’re invited to join the I-NOMA Design Build leadership.

MENTOR PLANNING MEETINGS: Tuesdays from 6:30-7:30 pm-I-NOMA Design-Build 2026 Planning Calls

Join the planning meetings via this link: meet.google.com/vrp-cnsz-srr

PHOTO GALLERY OF PAST YEARS (Photo Credit: Kai Brown)